At least 25 people have been confirmed dead and 13 rescued after a canoe carrying 52 passengers capsized in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State on Saturday, January 3, 2025.
The canoe was travelling from Adiyani town in Guri LGA of Jigawa State to Garbi town in Nguru when it overturned at about 7:48 p.m. The victims were returning from fishing, farming, and other business activities.
Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mohammed Goje, said 14 people remain missing. Search and rescue operations have been intensified with emergency responders, security agencies, and community volunteers involved.
Goje confirmed that SEMA teams from Bade and Nguru have been deployed to support ongoing efforts.
Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni expressed condolences to the affected families and directed that full medical and logistical support be provided to survivors, stressing that referrals must be expedited to save lives.
